26/11/2014 (Agence Europe) - EU remains hopeful of concluding free-trade negotiations by the end of 2015. Visiting Tokyo on Tuesday 25 November, French Economy Minister Emmanuel Macron argued for improved trade between the EU and Japan, expressing the wish that free-trade talks can be swiftly concluded. Macron called for “full and reciprocal opening of public rail contracts and the removal of regulatory obstacles in the pharmaceutical and agrifood sectors” (our translation). EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmström discussed prospects for the conclusion of negotiations towards the end of next year with European trade ministers on 21 November. The eighth round of talks will take place in Brussels during the second week of December. (EH)